Celtic signing Zheng Zhi arrives in Glasgow

New Celtic signing Zheng Zhi has spoken of his joy at signing for the club after touching down in Glasgow ahead of his official unveiling on Friday.

China's captain said there was a real buzz back in his home country after news of his move to Celtic, which was announced earlier this month but can now proceed due to a work permit being issued. Zheng was released by Charlton Athletic in the summer.

"When I heard that there was a chance for me to join Celtic, I jumped at it,'' Zheng told the official Celtic website.

''It's the perfect move for me at this stage of my career. I was at Charlton for a few years, but this is the perfect next step for me. I can't wait to join up with my team-mates and start my Celtic career.

"I've been waiting for this day for a long time. The standing of Celtic means that they are viewed as one of the top sides in European football and all over the world. The reaction to the news back in China has been unbelievable.''

Celtic's Japanese import, Shunsuke Nakamura, has added considerably to the club's appeal in Japan, and club officials will be hoping Zheng's presence has a similar effect in the Chinese market.

Celtic boss Tony Mowbray said Zheng will undergo a tailored training program to get the 29-year-old up to match fitness as soon as possible.

"Zheng will be here from now on in and it's all guns blazing,'' Mowbray said. ''I don't expect him to be involved on Saturday, but we'll see him soon.

"There's an international break coming up and we'll use that to give him a sort of mini pre-season. We will give him intense work and try to get him up to speed as soon as possible."